South Downs
From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the South Downs National Park covers over 600 square miles of classic English countryside
WHEN YOU PICTURE the South Downs National Park it’s hard to see past the iconic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters, rippling along a pictureperfect coastline above the English Channel. It’s one of the most famous views in all of England, and a magnificent place to spend a weekend away walking. But there’s so much more to this beautiful National Park, which is just a short drive or train ride away from London. Head inland to discover rolling farmland, ancient woodlands, lowland heaths, charming towns and villages, wildlife-rich heathlands and flourishing vineyards. With more than 2000 miles of rights of way, you can explore all of the highlights of the South Downs on foot, including river valleys, green pastures and – of course – that dramatic and world-famous coastline.
If you want to sample just a short taster of what the South Downs has to offer, head to the busy coastal town of Eastbourne and stroll along the cliffs past Beachy Head’s red and white lighthouse to the wooden steps that drop to Birling Gap. Here you can swim in the sea, have picnics on the pebbly beach, then head back to Eastbourne for fish and chips on the seafront. If you want to see everything the National Park has to offer,
take on the full 100-mile length of the South Downs Way National Trail from Winchester (the original capital of England) to the white cliffs at Eastbourne. You’ll walk across mile after mile of important heathland, pass through pretty villages, discover fascinating historical landmarks and unwind at the end of each day with your feet up and a pint of local ale in your hand. Pure walking paradise.
It’s one of the most famous views in all of England, and a magnificent place to spend a weekend away walking